Deez' plaat, o lieve jeugd zal wis u welkom wezen, / Zij stelt figuren voor van 't grootste rijk op aard / Gij ziet de kleederdragt, de zeden der Chinezen / Om vlijt en schranderheid zoo wijd en zijd vermaard 1848 - 1881

Editor: So this print by Lutkie & Cranenburg, dating from the mid-19th century, is called "Deez' plaat, o lieve jeugd zal wis u welkom wezen...". It depicts various figures representing Chinese people. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's a fascinating example of Orientalism, isn't it? These images, presented as depictions of Chinese culture, are in fact laden with the perspectives and assumptions of the West. Consider how each figure is carefully labelled with their societal position: “Chinese Nobleman”, “Chinese soldier”, “The emperor of China.” Why do you think the artist emphasizes status so overtly? Editor: Maybe it's about trying to classify and understand a culture that was seen as very different. Showing the hierarchy makes it seem more knowable? Curator: Precisely. Each figure is reduced to a type. What does it tell us about the society producing this image, that there was a need to define these peoples by what were understood as markers of “status?" Even the very act of printing these images speaks to an impulse to control through categorization. This piece served as a lens shaping public perception of a distant culture. What symbols resonate with you the most, even if they perpetuate stereotypes? Editor: The clothing and accessories really stand out. They feel exotic, which I guess was the point, even if they might be inaccurate. I learned to look for symbols, though I hadn't recognized it in practice before. Thanks for clarifying that! Curator: Absolutely. Consider how art can reflect both the subject it depicts, and the culture that produces it. By delving deeper into these prints, we can appreciate this image's symbols that shaped perception.